Saudi Arabia Turns to Europe and Africa for Missile Defence Amid Dwindling Stocks

Saudi Arabia is seeking air-defence support from France, Britain, Pakistan, and Egypt as its interceptor stocks dwindle under sustained Houthi attacks. The kingdom's main arms supplier, the United States, has seen its own interceptor stocks dwindle during more than six months of war with Iran.

The appeal comes as Washington moves ahead with a new $24.3 billion F-35 jet deal for Saudi Arabia, but this may not be enough to replenish Riyadh's dwindling defence stockpile.

Riyadh must defend military bases, government facilities, and oil infrastructure across its vast territory while protecting crude export routes around the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz. On September 16, Saudi-led coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki said Mecca was a 'red line' after Saudi air defenses intercepted a Houthi drone south of the holy city.